Career Timeline of Will Grier: Major Achievements and Milestones

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: July 15, 2026

Discover the career path of Will Grier, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

Will Grier is a professional American football quarterback known for his collegiate success and tenure in the NFL. A highly touted recruit out of high school, Grier began his college career at the University of Florida before transferring to West Virginia University. During his time at West Virginia, he emerged as a prolific passer, earning All-Big 12 honors and finishing as a Heisman Trophy contender. Drafted by the Carolina Panthers in the third round of the 2019 NFL Draft, Grier has since spent time with several franchises, including the Dallas Cowboys, Philadelphia Eagles, and New England Patriots. While primarily serving in backup and practice squad roles throughout his professional career, he remains recognized for his strong arm and experience operating high-tempo offensive systems.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

2014: Freshman Season at Florida

During the 2014 season, Will Grier competed against Treon Harris for the backup quarterback position behind Jeff Driskel, ultimately choosing to redshirt for the year.

October 12, 2015: NCAA Suspension for Performance-Enhancing Drugs

On October 12, 2015, Will Grier was handed a one-year suspension by the NCAA after testing positive for Ligandrol, a performance-enhancing substance he admitted to taking without consulting team trainers.

December 19, 2015: Transfer Announcement from Florida

The University of Florida officially announced on December 19, 2015, that Will Grier intended to transfer to a different collegiate program.

2015: Starting Quarterback Competition

In 2015, Will Grier competed to become the starting quarterback for the Florida Gators. After playing as a reserve in the season opener against New Mexico State, he secured the starting role by the second game against East Carolina.

April 6, 2016: Transfer to West Virginia University

On April 6, 2016, Will Grier officially announced his decision to transfer to West Virginia University, subsequently sitting out the 2016 season due to NCAA transfer regulations.

2016: Eligibility Return Following Suspension

Following his suspension, Will Grier was slated to regain his collegiate eligibility starting with the sixth game of the 2016 regular season.

June 20, 2017: NCAA Eligibility Waiver Granted

On June 20, 2017, West Virginia head coach Dana Holgerson confirmed that the NCAA granted Will Grier a waiver, clearing him to participate in the upcoming season opener against Virginia Tech.

December 14, 2017: Return for Senior Season

On December 14, 2017, Will Grier officially announced his decision to return to college football for his senior season instead of declaring for the 2018 NFL draft.

2018: 2018 Season Achievements and Senior CLASS Award

During the 2018 season, Will Grier threw for 3,864 yards, 37 touchdowns, and eight interceptions, earning second-team All-Big 12 honors. Additionally, in 2018, he was awarded the Senior CLASS Award, recognizing him as the outstanding senior student-athlete in FBS football.

2018: Preseason Accolades and Award Watch Lists

Throughout 2018, Will Grier was named a candidate for prestigious national awards including the Maxwell Award, Walter Camp Award, and Davey O'Brien Award, while also being recognized as the Big 12 Preseason Offensive Player of the Year.

2019: Will Grier's 2019 NFL Season Overview

During the 2019 season, Will Grier served as a third-string quarterback for the Carolina Panthers behind Cam Newton and Kyle Allen, eventually receiving opportunities to start in the final weeks of the season.

2019: NFL Draft Selection

In 2019, Will Grier achieved a major career milestone when he was selected by the Carolina Panthers in the third round of the NFL draft.

2019: Preparation for the 2019 NFL Draft

In 2019, Will Grier officially opted out of the Camping World Bowl following the 2018 regular season to focus his efforts on preparing for the 2019 NFL draft.

2019: Selected by the Carolina Panthers in the 2019 NFL Draft

In 2019, Will Grier reached a major career milestone when he was chosen by the Carolina Panthers as the 100th overall pick during the third round of the NFL draft.

2020: Demotion to Third-String Quarterback

During the 2020 season, Will Grier was relegated to the role of third-string quarterback for the Carolina Panthers after Matt Rhule signed Teddy Bridgewater and P. J. Walker moved ahead of him on the depth chart. Grier did not appear in any games throughout the year and remained inactive for nine of the team's final eleven matchups.

September 1, 2021: Will Grier Claimed by the Dallas Cowboys

On September 1, 2021, the Dallas Cowboys claimed Will Grier off waivers to serve as the third-string quarterback behind Dak Prescott and Cooper Rush, replacing Ben DiNucci in that role.

2021: Release from the Carolina Panthers

On August 31, 2021, Will Grier was released by the Carolina Panthers as the team opted to carry only two quarterbacks on their active roster following the acquisition of Sam Darnold.

August 30, 2022: Will Grier Waived by Dallas Cowboys

On August 30, 2022, professional football player Will Grier was officially waived by the Dallas Cowboys organization, though he would rejoin the team's practice squad the following day.

August 26, 2023: Will Grier's Final Preseason Performance with the Cowboys

On August 26, 2023, after the Dallas Cowboys acquired Trey Lance, Will Grier was informed he would be released. Despite this, he was given the opportunity to play the full preseason game against the Las Vegas Raiders, where he delivered an impressive performance with 305 passing yards, two passing touchdowns, and two rushing touchdowns.

August 30, 2023: Signing with the Cincinnati Bengals Practice Squad

On August 30, 2023, quarterback Will Grier officially signed a contract to join the practice squad of the Cincinnati Bengals.

September 22, 2023: Will Grier signed by New England Patriots

On September 22, 2023, Will Grier transitioned to the New England Patriots after being signed from the Cincinnati Bengals practice squad.

December 18, 2023: Will Grier signed by Los Angeles Chargers

On December 18, 2023, the Los Angeles Chargers signed Will Grier from the New England Patriots practice squad to serve as the backup quarterback to Easton Stick, following Justin Herbert's injury.

March 23, 2024: Signing with the Philadelphia Eagles

On March 23, 2024, quarterback Will Grier signed a one-year contract with the Philadelphia Eagles, marking a reunion with offensive coordinator Kellen Moore, with whom Grier previously worked during his tenure with the Dallas Cowboys.

November 12, 2024: Signed to Dallas Cowboys Practice Squad

On November 12, 2024, professional football player Will Grier officially joined the Dallas Cowboys' practice squad.

January 4, 2025: Promoted to Active Roster

Will Grier received a promotion to the Dallas Cowboys' active roster on January 4, 2025, marking a shift in his status with the team.

August 26, 2025: Released by the Dallas Cowboys

On August 26, 2025, Will Grier was officially released by the Dallas Cowboys as part of the team's final roster cutdown process.

February 2, 2026: Signed Reserve/Futures Contract

Will Grier signed a reserve/futures contract with the Dallas Cowboys on February 2, 2026, to secure his position with the organization for the upcoming season.